James Richards Obituary

James A. "Jim" Richards, 49, died Thursday morning, July 6, 2006, at his home, surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous battle with brain cancer.

He was born May 15, 1957, in Butte, to Al and Mary (Doyle) Richards. He graduated from Butte High School, where he played the trumpet in the Butte High Band. He also attended Montana Tech. Jim was employed at Safeway for more than 30 years until his illness forced him to stop working. During those 30 years, he never took a sick day. He loved his job and his many wonderful coworkers and customers.

He married Rosalie Stimatz on April 26, 1980, and together they had six children.

Jim was preceded in death by his grandmother, Bridget Doyle Murphy; infant brother, Paul; uncles, Ed Smigel, and Sulo Mykanen; and parents-in-law, Larry and Peggy Stimatz.

He is survived by his wife, Rosie Stimatz-Richards; daughters, Lucy of Helena and Molly and Annie of Butte; sons, Matthew, Daniel, and Andrew of Butte; parents, Al and Mary Richards of Butte; brother, Al Richards of Rock Springs, Wyo.; sister and brother-in-law, Mary Lisa and Mitch Evans of Hardin; aunts, Frances Mykanen and Lucille Smigel, both of Butte; special cousin, John McLaughlin of Butte and New Mexico; Other extended family members include Kris Stimatz and Joe and Beth Stimatz of Butte; Margaret Ann Stimatz, Betsy Stimatz and Pat Frawley, Theresa Stimatz-Rivers and Bob Rivers, and Lisa Stimatz of Helena; Laurie and Keith Noem of East Helena, Marcia Stimatz and Dennis Elchesen of Livermore, California; Greg and Karen Stimatz of Houston, Texas; Katie Stimatz of Camano Island, Wash.; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Jim enjoyed golfing, fishing and spending time with his family and friends. He especially enjoyed playing sports with his children and was generous and giving with his time - especially with his two beloved aunts, Fran and Lu. He was a member of United Commercial Travelers for many years and St. Ann's Parish for his entire life.

Relatives and friends may call for visitations from 9 to 10 a.m. Monday in St. Ann's Church, where Liturgy of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Interment will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor's choice.

Express condolences at www.mtstandard.com/obits.